tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77282835809382928522015-02-10T11:10:00.157-06:00Librarianism Chroniclesbook talks, story times, crafts, experiments, and fun ideas for librarians, teachers, and kids of all agesAmber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-68747848475687517112015-02-10T11:09:00.001-06:002015-02-10T11:10:00.198-06:00Valentine's Day in History<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JjffvKmxaFY/VNo2aRXOe4I/AAAAAAAACh4/0EO-AvE8zpc/s1600/vdat%2Bbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JjffvKmxaFY/VNo2aRXOe4I/AAAAAAAACh4/0EO-AvE8zpc/s1600/vdat%2Bbooks.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div><br />Valentine's Day will be here in just a few days. &nbsp;Visit the Library of Congress' <a href="http://www.americaslibrary.gov/index.html">America's Story</a> website to learn some facts about the <a href="http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/modern/jb_modern_valentin_2.html">origins of this sweethearts' celebration</a>. &nbsp;While you're there, check out some V-Day primary documents such as <a href="http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/modern/jb_modern_valentin_1.html">Thomas Edison's 1900 film, "The Kiss"</a> or a <a href="http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/modern/jb_modern_valentin_2.html">1940s Valentine store window</a>&nbsp;photograph.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UznmXt_8t7k/VNoxTdsf3gI/AAAAAAAAChY/dEmJZPimf7I/s1600/vday%2Bwindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UznmXt_8t7k/VNoxTdsf3gI/AAAAAAAAChY/dEmJZPimf7I/s1600/vday%2Bwindow.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></div><br />Then click your way to the Smithsonian <a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/blog">National Museum of&nbsp;American History&nbsp;blog</a> to see examples of <a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/love-lines-0">Valentine notes and telegrams from the early 1900s</a>. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EiFn8GMS4Rc/VNo09VcKHeI/AAAAAAAAChk/y9PhUMImXYo/s1600/Candygram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EiFn8GMS4Rc/VNo09VcKHeI/AAAAAAAAChk/y9PhUMImXYo/s1600/Candygram.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>Let students discuss what it would have been like to send and receive notes through the post office or a telegraph machine instead of today's rapid forms of communication such as text messaging and email.<br /><br />Use students' enthusiasm about Valentine's Day to get them reading by creating a display of books about love and friendship.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JjffvKmxaFY/VNo2aRXOe4I/AAAAAAAACh4/0EO-AvE8zpc/s1600/vdat%2Bbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JjffvKmxaFY/VNo2aRXOe4I/AAAAAAAACh4/0EO-AvE8zpc/s1600/vdat%2Bbooks.jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a></div><br />After all that learning, it will be time for some sweets. &nbsp;For an easy and impressive treat that children can help prepare, smoosh slice-and-bake chocolate chip cookie dough around store-bought sandwich cookies and bake in muffin tins according to cookie dough instructions.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XPYMQFFCpo/VNo5ucroDtI/AAAAAAAACiE/Ea_ZPAb2du0/s1600/vday%2Bcookies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XPYMQFFCpo/VNo5ucroDtI/AAAAAAAACiE/Ea_ZPAb2du0/s1600/vday%2Bcookies.png" height="320" width="315" /></a></div>You can make these cookie-stuffed cookies with any type of sandwich cookie, but using the limited edition Red Velvet Oreos and some seasonal sprinkles will make these extra festive.Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-14714892370295111102014-08-13T10:54:00.001-05:002014-08-13T17:08:07.091-05:00Save the Date - All the Calendars You Need to Write Your Long Term Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zlWl0HNc-8/U-uOoWpef9I/AAAAAAAACfc/oGrk5vv8l8E/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zlWl0HNc-8/U-uOoWpef9I/AAAAAAAACfc/oGrk5vv8l8E/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;At the beginning of the school year, it's time to write your long term plan.&nbsp; This document is an ultra brief summary of what you plan to teach and do throughout the entire school year.&nbsp; Before you can map out a curricular plan based on the required objectives or units for your class, it's important to know which days you will actually be at school and when major events, including national holidays and local celebrations, will take place.&nbsp; In some cases, these events will cause interruptions in your normal schedule.&nbsp; Other times, you will be able to use observances, celebrations, and seasons as a theme for your lessons.&nbsp; For example, rather than trying to convince students to stop thinking about the Super Bowl, you can just <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/09/football-fanfare.html">use their interest in football</a> to build investment in your lessons by letting them practice formulas like speed or investigate geography of past events, history of the sport, biographies of football players and so on.&nbsp; Here are all the calendars you'll need to plan events and thematic lessons in the school year ahead.<br /><br /><b>District Calendar + Previous Year's Plan</b><br />Start by penciling in school holidays, early dismissal days, class parties, and other local events that will affect your planning.&nbsp; If you are a veteran educator, also get out the previous year's long term plan (you had one, right?), so that you can remember when you did things last school year.<b>&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><b>Anti-Defamation League <a href="http://www.adl.org/education-outreach/anti-bias-education/c/calendar-of-observances.html">Calendar of Observances</a></b><br />The Anti-Defamation League provides dates for international observances and holidays for major world religions.&nbsp; Use these calendars to become aware of religious events that may be important to the students in your community and to introduce students to different culture's traditions.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/"><b>Days of the Year</b></a><br />This quirky calendar lists major as well as lesser-known observances throughout the year.&nbsp; If you enjoy planning lessons thematically, this is a great resource to find out about odd celebrations such as <a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/bad-poetry-day/">Bad Poetry Day</a> and <a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/thank-a-mailman-day/">Thank a Mailman Day</a>.<br /><br /><b>Perma-Bound <a href="https://www.perma-bound.com/author-illustrator/">Author Illustrator Birthday Calendar</a></b><br />This interactive calendar lists birthdays for tons of famous authors and illustrators and provides links to books created by each person.<b>&nbsp; </b>Every month also includes a mini biography &amp; photo of a featured artist or writer.&nbsp; These resources can be used for author studies or to create an easy and informative bulletin board featuring different authors each month.<br /><br /><b>American Library Association <a href="http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks">Celebration Weeks and Promotional Events</a></b><br />This page lists literacy-centered events including <a href="http://www.ala.org/bbooks/">Banned Books Week</a>, <a href="http://picturebookmonth.com/">Picture Book Month</a>, and <a href="http://chooseprivacyweek.org/">Choose Privacy Week</a>.&nbsp; These celebrations can be the perfect basis for social studies lessons and reading promotions.<br /><br /><b>Library of Congress <a href="http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/today.html">Today in History</a></b><br />This site features historical events for every date on the calendar.&nbsp; Each date offers an article about a significant past event and includes primary documents related to whatever took place on the day.&nbsp; This resource is one you can come back to throughout the year, even daily, to support social studies lessons.&nbsp; LOC also provides a <a href="http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/archive.html">searchable archive</a> of the articles which you can access by date or keyword.<br /><br />Which resources do you use when creating your long term plan?Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-72348707523997293312014-08-12T09:07:00.001-05:002014-08-12T09:09:51.799-05:00Flora & Ulysses<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;K&quot;}">"His brain felt larger, roomier. It was as if several doors in the dark room of his self (doors he hadn't even known existed) had suddenly been flung wide. Everything was shot through with meaning, purpose, light. However, the squirrel was still a squirrel." - <i>Flora &amp; Ulysses</i> by Kate DiCamillo &amp; K.G. Campbell</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--eaL_Cl7VyE/U-oZa1EAxVI/AAAAAAAACfM/KSoB03wlxCk/s1600/FloraCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--eaL_Cl7VyE/U-oZa1EAxVI/AAAAAAAACfM/KSoB03wlxCk/s1600/FloraCover.jpg" /></a></div><br />Kate DiCamillo received her second Newbery Award this year for the amazing novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076366040X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=076366040X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=076366040X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, a story about a young comic book fan who is navigating her parents' recent divorce and the general awkwardness of growing up when she witnesses the transformation of a squirrel into a poetry-writing superhero.&nbsp; (DiCamillo's first award was earned a decade ago for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763625299/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0763625299&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">The Tale of Despereaux</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0763625299" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />). As a self-proclaimed cynic, Flora is initially skeptical but becomes cautiously hopeful about the squirrel's hidden abilities. As Flora starts to accept and appreciate the squirrel's unique talents, she also begins to view herself and her life through a less cynical lens.<br /><br />In addition to offering an adorably quirky and heartwarming story, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076366040X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=076366040X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Flora and Ulysses</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=076366040X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> features an innovative format that appeals to readers of all ages. Most of the book is presented through traditional blocks of text, however, line drawings and strips of comic action by K.G. Campbell are included to illuminate the written story.<br /><br />This book is wonderful as an independent or small group read, but it also makes a great read-aloud, especially if you are able to show the illustrations using a document camera and projector. If you are sharing this novel with students, check out these resources for further exploring the book and the talents of its creators.<br /><br /><b>Kate DiCamillo, author</b><br />Visit <a href="http://www.katedicamillo.com/">Kate DiCamillo's site</a> to learn more about her, her books, and her role as National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Read a <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/076366040X.art.1.pdf">Q&amp;A between DiCamillo and publisher Candlewick</a> to learn more about her inspiration for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076366040X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=076366040X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Flora and Ulysses</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=076366040X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Then watch an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQymCUPGl0Q">interview of DiCamillo</a> in which she discusses the novel.<br /><br /><b>K.G. Campbell, illustrator</b><br />K.G. Campbell is responsible for the illuminated qualities of this fantastic book as well as many other popular novels and stories. Visit <a href="http://kgcampbell.com/">Campbell's site</a> to discover the beautiful illustrations he has contributed to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076366040X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=076366040X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Flora and Ulysses</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=076366040X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and his other projects including a lovably quirky picture book Campbell wrote and illustrated called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1554537703/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1554537703&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Lester's Dreadful Sweaters</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1554537703" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which is an enjoyable read-aloud for all ages.<br /><br /><b>Beyond the Book</b><br />Before beginning to read, build anticipation by sharing a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6cdkkJvgaA">Flora &amp; Ulysses book trailer</a> with students. As you delve into the novel, lead students to reflect on the story using the <a href="http://www.floraandulysses.com/media/fu_discussionguide.pdf">discussion guide</a> provided by Candlewick.&nbsp; Extend students' learning beyond the book with l<a href="http://classroombookshelf.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/2014-newbery-award-winner-flora-ulysses.html">esson ideas from The Classroom Bookshelf</a>.&nbsp; Then let students reenact the novel's opening scene using a <a href="http://texasbluebonnetaward2015.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/rtfloraulysses.pdf">reader's theater script</a> from the Texas Bluebonnet Award committee. (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076366040X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=076366040X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Flora and Ulysses</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=076366040X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1554537703/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1554537703&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Lester's Dreadful Sweaters</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1554537703" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> are both contenders for this kids' choice award.)&nbsp; Then, have some squirrel-centered fun in honor of Ulysses with these <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2010/11/something-squirrely.html">squirrel stories and crafts</a>.&nbsp; Finally, allow students to explore their own poetic creativity using the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BC60XIK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00BC60XIK&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Squirrel Poet Magnetic Poetry Kit</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00BC60XIK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br /><br />Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-19936603981692372222014-07-28T16:32:00.000-05:002014-07-28T17:02:03.242-05:00Before School Morning RoutineWith summer vacation winding down, it's time to begin easing into school-year routines.&nbsp; We know children need to start going to bed and waking earlier so that the back-to-school transition won't be abrupt and unpleasant for them (or their parents and teachers).&nbsp; These final weeks before school begins are likewise the perfect time for adults to develop meaningful morning routines.<br /><br /><b>Rise Early</b> <br />During my career, I have gone back and forth in my feelings about the early start of my work day and the related early bedtime, sometimes enjoying the routine and other times feeling like I am squeezing my adult life into a child's schedule.&nbsp; Nevertheless, experience tells me I should embrace the routine that fits my job.<br /><br />To get your day started on the right foot, begin by waking early.&nbsp; Yes, I know that teachers already start early, even if you do hit the snooze button until the last possible moment before jumping into whatever clothes are close and then applying makeup and <strike>eating breakfast</strike> drinking coffee at red lights on the way to work.&nbsp; I have definitely employed this approach with moderate success.&nbsp; But, often, this harried routine has left me to get through the workday lunch-less, simply reacting to each problem as it arises.&nbsp; By waking earlier (about an hour earlier than it takes me to get dressed), I can begin my day prepared, confident, purposeful, and with a feeling that I have cared for myself before beginning to serve others.&nbsp; <br /><br /><b>Stretch</b> <br />Once your eyes are open and the alarm is turned off, it's time to wake up your body and prepare it for the rigors of the day.&nbsp; You should customize this part of your routine based on what your body will be put through during the school day.&nbsp; Since I have struggled with foot and heel pain caused by taking a zillion steps a day on hard tile floors, I begin flexing and pointing my toes while I'm still in bed, in order to stretch my calves and feet before they take their first steps of the morning.&nbsp; Then, I focus on stretching the rest of my body.&nbsp; I like to follow an extremely basic yoga routine called sun salutation.&nbsp; Visit Women's Health Magazine for a written and visual <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/yoga-for-weight-loss">guide to this series of basic stretches</a>, or check out Portal Yogi for a slightly <a href="http://www.portalyogi.com/yoga-sequences/morning-sun-salutation">extended version of the stretch sequence</a>.<br /><br /><b>Meditate</b><br />Now that your body is awake and alert, it's time to prepare your brain for the day.&nbsp; As humans, we have some self-destructive mental tendencies.&nbsp; In an <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-courage-be-present/201001/how-practice-mindfulness-meditation">article about mindfulness meditation</a>, Psychology Today explains, "First, we cause ourselves suffering by trying to get away from pain and attempting to hang on to pleasure...Second, we cause suffering when we try to prop up a false identity usually known as ego."&nbsp; Meditation can help our brains form better, more productive habits.&nbsp; Once you get into this routine, you can customize this part of the morning to fit your goals, but to get started, consider following one of the short, <a href="http://marc.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=22">guided meditations</a> provided by UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center.<br /><br />After this mindfulness practice, I shift my thoughts briefly toward gratitude.&nbsp; Instead of letting your brain fill with worries first thing in the morning, spend a moment being aware of the people and circumstances that provide you with beauty, pleasure, comfort, and happiness.&nbsp; We can all think of something to be thankful for, even on the groggiest, greyest morning.&nbsp; This process will help you start the day with joy instead of stress.&nbsp; Finally, I move my thoughts to my intentions for the day.&nbsp; This is not time to make a huge to-do list.&nbsp; Instead, focus on one or two things that will make you feel proud at the end of the day.&nbsp; These goals can vary widely from tasks, such as getting to the gym after work, to intentions like treating others with a generous spirit or avoiding vocalizing mundane complaints throughout the day.&nbsp; This entire brain-preparation routine will only take 7-10 minutes, but it can make an enormous difference in the remainder of the day.<br /><br /><b>Dress</b> <br />Now it is time to complete the tasks that were formerly the entire "getting ready" routine.&nbsp; Treat yourself well by using non-toxic cosmetics (check out the safety of your products using the Environmental Working Group's <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/">Skin Deep database</a>) and dressing in comfortable, well-fitting clothes.&nbsp; A tight waistband or lack of pockets can lead you to feel annoyed all day long as you sit uncomfortably or lose your keys repeatedly.&nbsp; Why deal with that frustration?&nbsp; Dress yourself in a way that is practical and that makes you feel confident.&nbsp; For me, comfortable shoes are absolutely non-negotiable, due to the aforementioned foot pain.&nbsp; (Read more about my thoughts on <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/07/walk-this-way-back-to-school-teacher.html">teacher shoes</a>.)&nbsp; This process is much simpler if you have pre-selected your clothes the night before.&nbsp; More on this later in a discussion of evening routines.&nbsp; Also, finish getting dressed now instead of planning to apply makeup or file your nails (or whatever) on the way to work or just after arriving for the sake of your safety and sanity.<br /><br /><b>Eat</b><br />A teacher's job is not for the faint of heart (or soul or body).&nbsp; If you want to perform well, your body is going to need fuel.&nbsp; During my first days working as a teacher, I developed a morning habit of feasting on a Nutrigrain bar and a ginormous diet soda.&nbsp; Although this wasn't even a tasty breakfast, it seemed like the right menu.&nbsp; After all, I didn't feel hungry at sun's-not-even-up-o'clock, and I just wanted to wake myself up.&nbsp; Having learned more about the weirdo chemicals in factory-produced "food," I tried slightly healthier variations of this meal, such as a granola bar and a homemade latte.&nbsp; However, I'm here to tell you, stuffing random food-like substances + caffeine down the hatch is not the most productive approach to your morning meal.&nbsp; Build a habit of eating a nutritious breakfast, even if it's quick and small.&nbsp; Some of my favorites are a bowl of real oatmeal (not the packet full of artificial colors and flavors) or a smoothie.&nbsp; Both of these are great ways to sneak extra servings of fruits and vegetables and even dietary supplements into your day.&nbsp; For example, a spoonful of ground flax seed, which is jam-packed with Omega-3s and other essential and often under-consumed vitamins, is basically unnoticeable once it's stirred into either of these breakfasts.<br /><br />Also, drink water.&nbsp; It's good for your everything.&nbsp; You know this.&nbsp; Just do it.&nbsp; Consider having your first glass of water just after you get out of bed.&nbsp; I keep a water bottle on my nightstand and finish whatever I didn't drink during the night as soon as I wake up.&nbsp; Have another glass with breakfast.&nbsp; With two down, you just have six more glasses to go during your bathroom-break-less work day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiyxYKSQFV0/U9a8yVi-KHI/AAAAAAAACe0/eWTPKgaCI4g/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiyxYKSQFV0/U9a8yVi-KHI/AAAAAAAACe0/eWTPKgaCI4g/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" height="249" width="320" /></a></div><b>Pack Up</b><br />You're almost ready to leave for work, and just look at what all you've accomplished!&nbsp; Before you walk out the door, though, be sure you have everything you will need.&nbsp; Yes, you are going to feel like a pack-mule as you walk to the car, but it is so worthwhile compared to feeling unprepared all day.&nbsp; Check your teacher bag for your school ID and keys, so you don't have to beg a custodian to let you into your room over and over all day.<br /><br />Fill up your water bottle - the big one.&nbsp; Yes, I know you don't get to go to the restroom.&nbsp; Just bring the water and drink it anyway.&nbsp; Someone will watch your students for the 30 seconds it takes to run to the bathroom as long as you are willing to return the favor.&nbsp; You're going to be doing a lot of talking and moving, and anyway, water's good for your everything, remember?<br /><br />Get your lunch ready.&nbsp; The food that is available for you to purchase at work is not good enough.&nbsp; (It's not good enough for the kid's either, but that's a topic for another day.)&nbsp; You are an individual with specific dietary needs and preferences, and a double side of soggy cafeteria fries or an overpriced candy bar is simply not enough - not enough calories, not enough nutrition, not enough enjoyment.&nbsp; Get out your lunchbox, and fill it with enough nutritious, delicious items to feed yourself a meal and two snacks.&nbsp; I always include nuts and dried fruits for my morning and afternoon snacks, and I usually pack leftovers and fresh fruit for my midday meal.&nbsp; Trying to lose weight?&nbsp; Pack even more fruits, so that you aren't tempted by the box of stale doughnuts in the teachers' lounge.<br /><br />Morning can easily become a rushed and stressful part of the day if you don't pre-plan a routine and then loyally carry it out.&nbsp; Trying to accomplish all the things on this list without a plan would be mentally exhausting.&nbsp; By establishing a routine ahead of time, you can use your morning to care for yourself and prepare for your day instead of getting bogged down with <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/magazine/do-you-suffer-from-decision-fatigue.html?pagewanted=all&amp;_r=0">decision fatigue</a> or simply sleeping through this opportunity.<br /><br />What are your best morning routine tips?Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-89655002256966310952014-07-04T10:15:00.000-05:002014-07-04T10:16:01.879-05:00Fourth of July - Learn & Celebrate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7YWrmBZN-c/U7bCqM8x2JI/AAAAAAAACeE/1XqC8FtunOg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-04+at+10.04.45+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7YWrmBZN-c/U7bCqM8x2JI/AAAAAAAACeE/1XqC8FtunOg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-04+at+10.04.45+AM.png" height="190" width="400" /></a></div>&nbsp;Happy Independence Day!&nbsp; Before you don your patriotic mohawk and head out for parades and fireworks, find out a little about the history of this day and the traditions with which we celebrate it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sTxbk9V4Hfw/U7bAnVI1TsI/AAAAAAAACd4/yKvOWFRXsyk/s1600/IMG_2079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sTxbk9V4Hfw/U7bAnVI1TsI/AAAAAAAACd4/yKvOWFRXsyk/s1600/IMG_2079.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Visit the National Museum of American History's blog to find out <a href="http://blog.americanhistory.si.edu/osaycanyousee/2014/06/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-star-spangled-banner.html">7 Things You Didn't Know About the Star-Spangled Banner</a> (the specific 42' x 30' flag that inspired our national anthem).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/07/4th-of-july-primary-documents-and.html">read some primary documents that demonstrate various perspectives</a> on our national holiday throughout history. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, find out <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2009/07/independence-day-fun.html">how American presidents have celebrated Independence Day</a> and discover some <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2009/07/independence-day-fun.html">holiday crafts you can make today</a>.</div>Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-64224407960881245372014-01-31T20:16:00.003-06:002014-01-31T21:02:23.289-06:00Ringworm and LiceJanuary has been the fastest and slowest month ever.&nbsp; I feel like I should make an excuse for taking such a long break from writing, so I wrote a haiku:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} </style></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Got ringworm and lice.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The teacher’s life isn’t all </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">apples and kids books.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-57598478470012036042014-01-31T19:48:00.001-06:002014-01-31T19:48:12.960-06:00Lunar New YearHappy Lunar New Year!&nbsp; Today's celebration creates a perfect opportunity for a multidisciplinary story time.&nbsp; Since many children are only familiar with the Western / Gregorian calendar, begin by introducing the lunar calendar, which is based on moon cycles rather than Earth's movement around the sun.<br /><br />Then read aloud a story to introduce symbols and traditions of the holiday.&nbsp; Students will love the alphabet-book presentation and detailed illustrations in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0823420582/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0823420582&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">D Is for Dragon Dance</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0823420582" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by <a href="http://www.yingc.com/">Ying Compestine</a>.&nbsp; Get <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/01/chinese-new-year.html">more ideas for using this book</a> and celebrating the new year from <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/01/chinese-new-year.html">this earlier article</a>.&nbsp; After the story, students can listen to a clip of <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/01/31/268926416/for-a-twist-on-the-lunar-new-year-dumpling-add-green-tea">Compestine discussing New Year traditions</a> on NPR's Morning Edition episode from this morning.<br /><br />Students also enjoy the brief introduction to the holiday presented in <a href="http://www.gracelinbooks.com/index.html">Grace Lin</a>'s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0085S8IG2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B0085S8IG2&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Bringing in the New Year</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0085S8IG2" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P7ggy2QDM2c/UuxNTW7WHtI/AAAAAAAACbA/1jnaKGh8J0A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-31+at+7.26.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P7ggy2QDM2c/UuxNTW7WHtI/AAAAAAAACbA/1jnaKGh8J0A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-31+at+7.26.04+PM.png" height="257" width="320" /></a></div>Older students will finish this short picture book ready to dive into Lin's longer fiction like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031606002X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=031606002X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">The Year of the Dog</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=031606002X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and the rest of the Pacy Lin series or Lin's Newbery Honor book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316038636/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0316038636&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Where the Mountain Meets the Moon</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0316038636" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br /><br />After the stories, encourage students to make text-to-self connections regarding the traditions mentioned in the books.&nbsp; Students will discover that many cultures share similar traditions.&nbsp; Then demonstrate how students can count backward to their birth year and learn about the Chinese zodiac. The zodiac chart is printed in the back of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0823420582/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0823420582&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">D Is for Dragon Dance</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0823420582" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, for the letter <i>Z</i>, and you can download and print a <a href="http://www.janbrett.com/newsnotes/daisy_chinese_animal_years.htm">beautiful version created and shared by Jan Brett</a>.&nbsp; I've written about this printable <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/01/chinese-new-year.html">before</a>, but kids seriously love it and will practice patterns and arithmetic with this image for as long as you will let them.<br /><br />Finally, let students practice creating similes by comparing the upcoming year to a horse, since 2014 is the year of the horse.&nbsp; Kids can browse non-fiction books about horses to get ideas for adjectives to use in their similes. Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-56801207241254451352013-11-26T08:01:00.000-06:002013-11-26T08:01:43.624-06:00Ancient Egypt Storytime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gpq7tyEhGhc/UpC024NWLtI/AAAAAAAACZA/nxaxN9IdPHI/s1600/IMG_0654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gpq7tyEhGhc/UpC024NWLtI/AAAAAAAACZA/nxaxN9IdPHI/s320/IMG_0654.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>We just wrapped up our Reading Oasis book fair.&nbsp; This Ancient Egyptian theme immediately excited the former science and social studies teacher in me because of the opportunities to incorporate so many subject areas into one brief unit.<br /><br />Perhaps because of the current zombie crazy, my students were fixated on Egyptian mummies, so we dove right in.&nbsp; With younger students, I shared Judy Schachner's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142412112/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0142412112&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0142412112" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, in which Skippyjon imagines that he is mummified during a treasure-hunting adventure in an Egyptian pyramid.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQNTebDyOno/UpJGgH82CTI/AAAAAAAACZs/RZ80GrSiUf4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-24+at+12.33.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQNTebDyOno/UpJGgH82CTI/AAAAAAAACZs/RZ80GrSiUf4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-24+at+12.33.15+PM.png" /></a></div>After the story, students imagined what it would be like to go on a trip to ancient Egypt with Skippyjon.&nbsp; Then they illustrated themselves in mummy trouble.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2j_PmPKH10/UpJCe9n0NHI/AAAAAAAACZU/P-hQ1ZtjILo/s1600/IMG_0656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2j_PmPKH10/UpJCe9n0NHI/AAAAAAAACZU/P-hQ1ZtjILo/s320/IMG_0656.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UF0agw0eB0g/UpJDDpZJA0I/AAAAAAAACZc/Ze1tWHCOX-s/s1600/IMG_0656+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UF0agw0eB0g/UpJDDpZJA0I/AAAAAAAACZc/Ze1tWHCOX-s/s400/IMG_0656+-+Version+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Older students learned about the mummification process by reading portions of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0756637651/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0756637651&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">DK Eyewitness Books: Ancient Egypt</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0756637651" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8_pq-DPxP0/UpJJndjkaZI/AAAAAAAACZ4/gQBL4PtBuFw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-24+at+12.46.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8_pq-DPxP0/UpJJndjkaZI/AAAAAAAACZ4/gQBL4PtBuFw/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-11-24+at+12.46.26+PM.png" width="153" /></a></div>The book's full color images grabbed everyone's attention immediately.&nbsp; Students can continue exploring this ancient burial custom with Discovery Kids' <a href="http://kids.discovery.com/games/just-for-fun/mummy-maker">Mummy Maker game</a>.&nbsp;<br /><br />Students can create their own pharaoh headdresses just like the ones Pete and our other library cats wore for our book fair.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mja9iTF3a4U/UpSjT2MOeuI/AAAAAAAACaI/1KxXCPP0aAo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-26+at+7.33.09+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mja9iTF3a4U/UpSjT2MOeuI/AAAAAAAACaI/1KxXCPP0aAo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-26+at+7.33.09+AM.png" /></a></div>Visit First Palette to get the printable <a href="http://www.firstpalette.com/tool_box/printables/pharaoh.html">headdress template</a>.&nbsp; Then kids just color, cut, and assemble three pieces into the completed headdress. <br /><br />For science and writing, we looked up the definitions of the word <i>oasis</i>.&nbsp; Many students were surprised to discover that deserts contain wet, fertile areas.&nbsp; Next we discussed why <i>oasis</i> can also refer to a refuge or pleasant place.&nbsp; Finally, students brainstormed about their own ideas of a reading oasis and then wrote about and illustrated their perfect places.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmX4RBb3AnQ/UpSoP5WH74I/AAAAAAAACaY/gBj52hyRYug/s1600/IMG_0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmX4RBb3AnQ/UpSoP5WH74I/AAAAAAAACaY/gBj52hyRYug/s320/IMG_0670.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>Students' creative ideas included a cozy chair, a tree house, a football field, and a gold mine.<br /><span id="goog_591997229"></span><span id="goog_591997230"></span><br />For more independent learning and fun, kids can check out Rick Riordan's <a href="http://rickriordan.com/my-books/kane-chronicles">Kane Chronicles webpage</a>. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423199626/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1423199626&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">The Kane Chronicles</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1423199626" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> series is based on Egyptian mythology, and the site includes information about <a href="http://rickriordan.com/my-books/kane-chronicles/explore-egyptian-mythology/the-egyptian-gods.aspx">Egyptian mythology</a> and <a href="http://rickriordan.com/my-books/kane-chronicles/house-of-life/about-egyptian-magic.aspx">Egyptian magic</a> as well as links to online <a href="http://rickriordan.com/my-books/kane-chronicles/house-of-life/egyptian-games.aspx">games about Egypt</a>.<br /><br /><br />Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-73859734048741550112013-11-03T12:34:00.001-06:002013-11-03T12:34:10.846-06:00Learning the Dewey Decimal SystemTo organize and keep track of a large collection of books, you have to have a system.&nbsp; Which system you use, depends on how you will need to access and use your media.&nbsp; Many classroom teachers organize their books by reading level or theme.&nbsp; In home libraries, book owners can sort by genre or even cover color.<br /><br />Dewey Decimal Classification is the <a href="http://www.oclc.org/dewey.en.html">most widely-used</a> library system in the world.&nbsp; Melvil Dewey's method was first published in 1876.&nbsp; The system assigns a three-digit number to each book to represent its subject.&nbsp; Decimal points are added when further division is necessary.&nbsp; After they are grouped by subject, books in a category are sorted by the authors' last names.&nbsp; This method allows users to find books about similar topics together on the library shelves.<br /><br />In order to make the most of the system, most students need a little instructional orientation.&nbsp; To introduce the Dewey Decimal System, begin by reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761366768/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0761366768&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Do You Know Dewey?: Exploring the Dewey Decimal System</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0761366768" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Brian P. Cleary &amp; Joanne Lew-Vriethoff.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ob2nT3__kus/UnaIwcXShHI/AAAAAAAACXs/cXP6exxsaAk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-03+at+11.32.20+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ob2nT3__kus/UnaIwcXShHI/AAAAAAAACXs/cXP6exxsaAk/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-11-03+at+11.32.20+AM.png" width="240" /></a></div>This rhyming book succinctly describes the purpose of the system and the topics included in the ten major subject classifications.&nbsp; After hearing the book read aloud, my students were immediately interested in exploring new areas of the library's collection.<br /><br />Patrons can (obviously) practice the Dewey Decimal System by searching for and locating books on the shelves.&nbsp; Learning stations are another way to help students review the new information.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWofMh83asQ/UnaLWkG1niI/AAAAAAAACX4/VNwZNo6xtAU/s1600/IMG_0612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWofMh83asQ/UnaLWkG1niI/AAAAAAAACX4/VNwZNo6xtAU/s320/IMG_0612.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>Using the <a href="http://www.demco.com/goto?blk00185931&amp;intcmp=BMR_00185931">Dewey See It? poster</a> from Demco, students can play an I-Spy game that helps them review the major Dewey categories.&nbsp; You could also make your own poster with various magazine images at the top and item lists at the bottom.&nbsp; Just be sure to include items from each of the ten classifications.<br /><br />Students can also play Dewey Match, a game like Memory that helps students build familiarity with the Dewey categories. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r18_jOeko2w/UnaN591pUiI/AAAAAAAACYE/3sckN_tOo34/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-03+at+11.54.16+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r18_jOeko2w/UnaN591pUiI/AAAAAAAACYE/3sckN_tOo34/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-11-03+at+11.54.16+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>Our set is another Demco product that seems to be out of stock.&nbsp; But you could definitely recreate this idea by printing images on card stock.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF_OcZ7rUNI/UnaRd1TegOI/AAAAAAAACYQ/xbaKdW4iVDA/s1600/IMG_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF_OcZ7rUNI/UnaRd1TegOI/AAAAAAAACYQ/xbaKdW4iVDA/s320/IMG_0288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Students can review the Dewey groups by playing Mike Frerichs' Dewey Decimal System <a href="http://www.ccsd.edu/bardonia/Library/LearningGames/LibrarySkills/index.html">Library Skills Game</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTv4PcU4ob4/UnaTGqUcnwI/AAAAAAAACYc/1Mcu3t2C_jI/s1600/IMG_0285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTv4PcU4ob4/UnaTGqUcnwI/AAAAAAAACYc/1Mcu3t2C_jI/s320/IMG_0285.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Above all else, though, my students' favorite activity for reviewing the Dewey Decimal System is watching and listening to the <a href="http://storyyeller.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/the-dewey-decimal-rap.pdf">Dewey Decimal Rap</a>. Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-55700312102277680902013-09-21T14:01:00.000-05:002013-09-21T14:19:57.974-05:00Banned Books that Shaped America ChecklistNext week is Banned Books Week.&nbsp; Learn more about the history of the event by exploring the American Library Association's interactive timeline, <a href="http://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/51787/Banned-Books-Week-Celebrating-30-Years-of-Liberating-Literature/">Celebrating 30 Years of Liberating Literature</a>.&nbsp; Then visit <a href="http://www.ala.org/bbooks/bannedbooksweek">ALA's Banned Books Week site</a> to discover which books were <a href="http://www.ila.org/BannedBooks/BBW_2012-2013_Shortlist.pdf">banned or challenged in the last year</a>, and get ideas about how you can help protect the right to read.<br /><br />One of the best ways to mark the event is by exercising your freedom to read. BannedBooksWeek.org shared a list of 30 <a href="http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/censorship/bannedbooksthatshapedamerica">Banned Books that Shaped America</a>.&nbsp; Use this <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2YPp8sLRj7nQmpURkNNb3NObVk/edit?usp=sharing">checklist</a> that I created to tally how many of these important books you've read.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0siAJpgkOzE/Uj3kvNxBd2I/AAAAAAAACWw/G_-raLElo50/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-09-21+at+1.21.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0siAJpgkOzE/Uj3kvNxBd2I/AAAAAAAACWw/G_-raLElo50/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-09-21+at+1.21.52+PM.png" width="253" /></a></div>Then pick out a few more to read this week.&nbsp; Even the youngest readers can find some favorite titles to explore on this list of challenged books.<br /><br />Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-22223828834930847752013-09-15T09:50:00.002-05:002013-09-15T09:54:53.099-05:00Football FanfareFootball is such a big part of fall culture in the U.S.&nbsp; In the library during this time of year, little football fans need no prompting to check-out and read books about their favorite teams.&nbsp; But all the excitement is a great excuse to push readers into other genres and subjects through the football theme.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J81gu0ZEUmc/UjXAlFhlpLI/AAAAAAAACWE/UaCiawrcCJY/s1600/IMG_0571+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J81gu0ZEUmc/UjXAlFhlpLI/AAAAAAAACWE/UaCiawrcCJY/s400/IMG_0571+-+Version+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Encourage students to read player and coach biographies as well as football history books, picture books, and novels by displaying some of these less-often noticed titles in a high-traffic area.&nbsp; The football vocabulary circles in this window display are from a <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2013/01/entertaining-super-bowl-party.html">free printable set (of coasters)</a> at Design Sponge.<br /><br />After spending some time reading, ride the football-season wave into other subjects.&nbsp; For handwriting practice, check out this <a href="http://www.supermommoments.com/2011/02/activities-big-game/">football printable</a> from Paging Supermom.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ba0-zKGWX-w/UjXBprLd1_I/AAAAAAAACWQ/Jyrn8ZjuYYk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-09-15+at+8.59.38+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ba0-zKGWX-w/UjXBprLd1_I/AAAAAAAACWQ/Jyrn8ZjuYYk/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-09-15+at+8.59.38+AM.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />Students can also practice music and math skills with Katie Robertson's <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rhythm-Football-268451">Rhythm Football game</a> for the interactive white board.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--SZKOMA_Yqo/UjXE8Fw_bSI/AAAAAAAACWc/PkSxm-G9Lmo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-09-15+at+9.30.55+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--SZKOMA_Yqo/UjXE8Fw_bSI/AAAAAAAACWc/PkSxm-G9Lmo/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-09-15+at+9.30.55+AM.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />Older students can write predictions about how the season will go for their favorite teams.&nbsp; Then they can keep track of statistics throughout the season and finally write evaluations of their initial hypotheses.<br /><br />Taking advantage of students' intrinsic motivation regarding football can lead to an easy-to-promote interdisciplinary, higher-order thinking extravaganza.Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-10425284757975025372013-08-07T11:28:00.004-05:002013-08-07T21:28:21.721-05:00Shark Week Stories & CraftsIt's that time of year that the Discovery Channel has turned into a national holiday: <a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/shark-week">Shark Week</a>.&nbsp; Even if you're not that into sharks, it's difficult to avoid getting swept up by the annual excitement.&nbsp; Dive into the fun with these shark stories and learning activities.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7u1vDzhrloI/UgKLK4-8XZI/AAAAAAAACTI/-r0pLzTej2M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+12.59.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7u1vDzhrloI/UgKLK4-8XZI/AAAAAAAACTI/-r0pLzTej2M/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+12.59.40+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316007625/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0316007625&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Shark vs. Train</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0316007625" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by <a href="http://www.chrisbarton.info/">Chris Barton</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.tomlichtenheld.com/childrens_books/index.html">Tom Lichtenheld</a>, a fierce, underwater predator toy goes to battle against a tough, smoke-billowing train toy in competitions ranging from seesawing to pie-eating.&nbsp; Barton's bestselling story will hold students' attention while the playful text introduces examples of pun and onomatopoeia.&nbsp; Visit the <a href="http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/features/sharkvstrain/index.html">Shark vs. Train website</a> to find <a href="http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/features/sharkvstrain/downloads.html">printable activities</a> and other resources to go with the book.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZscV6EMGH4A/UgKMy_o47TI/AAAAAAAACTg/viz1aSrpjfo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+1.06.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZscV6EMGH4A/UgKMy_o47TI/AAAAAAAACTg/viz1aSrpjfo/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+1.06.19+PM.png" width="171" /></a> </div>Then read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006199846X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=006199846X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">I'm a Shark</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=006199846X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Bob Shea which uses humorous dialogue between the narrator and an almost-fearless shark to tell a story about bravery.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mk5OqtXtm-I/UgKNlEwJTSI/AAAAAAAACTs/W7JuaULxEpA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+1.10.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mk5OqtXtm-I/UgKNlEwJTSI/AAAAAAAACTs/W7JuaULxEpA/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+1.10.06+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>For more oceanic fun, read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0889712468/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0889712468&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Down at the Seaweed Cafe</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0889712468" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Robert Perry &amp; Greta Guzek. This book's rhythmic rhyme will entrance little listeners as they learn about underwater life.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w8Y6pFAfzWc/UgKQKXF3BnI/AAAAAAAACT8/DmcsUW5GXXc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+1.21.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w8Y6pFAfzWc/UgKQKXF3BnI/AAAAAAAACT8/DmcsUW5GXXc/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+1.21.07+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>Although sharks are the biggest fish in the sea, find out what is bigger than a shark in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0803731922/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0803731922&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">I'm The Biggest Thing in the Ocean</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0803731922" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Kevin Sherry.&nbsp; In this story a squid compares himself to the sea creatures around him.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6r1_i0CvB9g/UgKYFgCrK5I/AAAAAAAACUc/5ANwrN0xekA/s1600/IMG_2296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6r1_i0CvB9g/UgKYFgCrK5I/AAAAAAAACUc/5ANwrN0xekA/s400/IMG_2296.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shark Sculpture made from reclaimed hubcaps by Ptolemy Elrington - Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, 2012</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After story time, allow students to explore <a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/kids-only/life/life-sea/surprising-sharks/">Surprising Sharks</a> from London's Natural History Museum and <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/news/magazines/kind_news/2012/01-02/kind_news_extra_kids_can_help_sharks.html">Discovery Kids: Sharks</a> to learn more about sharks, their place in the ecosystem, and how human actions affect their health and safety.&nbsp; Visit Ocean Portal to read about <a href="http://ocean.si.edu/blog/do-sharks-smell-stereo">sharks' 3D sense of smell</a>.&nbsp; Then let students read and discuss the article, "<a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/news/magazines/kind_news/2012/01-02/kind_news_extra_kids_can_help_sharks.html">How Kids Can Help Sharks</a>" by The Humane Society.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4mTCdCUySw/UgJbdkR2cJI/AAAAAAAACSQ/0ZqsnudGJH4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+9.35.35+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4mTCdCUySw/UgJbdkR2cJI/AAAAAAAACSQ/0ZqsnudGJH4/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+9.35.35+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>After students have gathered some background information about sharks, they can present what they have learned.&nbsp; Visit Welcome to Room 36 to find great ideas for <a href="http://mrswilliamsonskinders.blogspot.com/2011/05/whales-and-sharks.html">comparing and contrasting sharks and whales</a>.<br /><br />Students can also make a simple shark hat using card stock and a few other basic supplies.&nbsp; This <a href="http://susanrhight.blogspot.com/2009/03/shark-hat-craft.html">shark hat craft idea</a> was shared on Susan's Site after her trip to the Georgia Aquarium.&nbsp; Students can review all their new shark knowledge and develop fine motor skills while making this craft.<br /><br />To re-create this hands-on shark activity, you will need two sheets of grey card stock, scissors, tape, a ruler and something to write with.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-njPg4Y359zI/UgJl_TFqoLI/AAAAAAAACSg/7bx-1uKzBFk/s1600/IMG_0504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-njPg4Y359zI/UgJl_TFqoLI/AAAAAAAACSg/7bx-1uKzBFk/s320/IMG_0504.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JjtW6a8nEMo/UgJnUYx4x5I/AAAAAAAACSw/yr9oN1LmHwI/s1600/IMG_0505.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JjtW6a8nEMo/UgJnUYx4x5I/AAAAAAAACSw/yr9oN1LmHwI/s200/IMG_0505.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SvurBqpNrD0/UgJn92NBy-I/AAAAAAAACS4/8slhlqOPyTM/s1600/IMG_0506.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SvurBqpNrD0/UgJn92NBy-I/AAAAAAAACS4/8slhlqOPyTM/s200/IMG_0506.jpg" width="200" /></a><li>Cut three strips of paper, 2" x 11"</li><li>Tape two strips end-to-end in order to create one long (~21") strip.</li><li>If the hat is for a child, tape the other ends of the long strip together to make a paper ring.&nbsp; If the hat is for a big kid or adult, wait for the next step before closing the ring.</li><li>Attach the third paper strip perpendicular to the taped seam of the long strip.&nbsp; Then attach the other end of the short strip to the other seam of the paper ring.&nbsp; If this hat is for an adult, close the long strip by attaching the ends to the edge of the short strip as shown in the photo on the right.&nbsp; Now you have the basic form for the hat.&nbsp; </li><li>Draw the two fin shapes onto the remaining scraps of card stock.&nbsp; Be sure to include a small tab of paper that you will be able to fold over in order to attach the fin to the hat bands.</li><li>&nbsp;Cut out fins, fold tabs and attach to hat bands using tape.</li><li>Use a marker to add eyes, teeth and gills. </li></ol>&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBhfc4YyIww/UgMCFIbtDqI/AAAAAAAACU8/nE5Dns4k7MU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+9.07.48+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBhfc4YyIww/UgMCFIbtDqI/AAAAAAAACU8/nE5Dns4k7MU/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+9.07.48+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />After all this learning, your students will have worked up a shark-sized appetite.&nbsp; Visit How To Garnish to learn how to make a healthy and impressive <a href="http://www.howtogarnish.com/Garnish.aspx/Banana-Shark/1">banana shark</a> snack.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5kvtmO3mAQ/UgKROiODYkI/AAAAAAAACUM/ik2hQ4c7XFo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+1.25.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5kvtmO3mAQ/UgKROiODYkI/AAAAAAAACUM/ik2hQ4c7XFo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+1.25.35+PM.png" /></a></div>Or, carry the theme into lunch or snack time by using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004T6H7JI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B004T6H7JI&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Fred and Friends Fish Stix</a> to make tasty shark tail skewers that won't harm any actual sharks. Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-83007229577487447732013-07-18T10:14:00.002-05:002013-07-18T10:44:17.147-05:00Walk this Way - Back to School Teacher ShoesIf you are a teacher, you know one of the "perks" of the profession is that educators get to buy a lot of their own supplies.&nbsp; Trying to be frugal with my money, make sure students and I have everything we need to learn, and trying to teach students to be responsible for themselves are hard tasks to balance.&nbsp; During my first few years teaching, I'm pretty sure I erred on the side of buying too much stuff.&nbsp; The last few years, I have had a real buckle-down-and-make-do approach that has likely saved me hundreds of dollars each school year.&nbsp; Instead of running out to purchase things, I look around at what the school and I already have that might be altered or reused to serve my purpose.&nbsp; Food <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/04/earth-day-revamp-repurpose-reuse.html">containers</a>, <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2008/08/crayon-redux.html">broken crayons</a>, and boring office supplies have been given new life through this method that has been wonderful in most regards.<br /><br />However, with my 10th {Tenth?!} year as a public school teacher just a few weeks away, I am here to tell you that there are a few supplies that are absolutely essential and for which you should be prepared to spend a little money.&nbsp; <b>Most important</b> among these items, in my opinion, <b>is a good pair of shoes</b>.&nbsp; I have learned the hard way that there is only so much leading, circulating, delivering, meeting, monitoring, modelling, assisting, and ahem, running, chasing or wrangling that a set of feet can manage in a cheap pair of shoes.&nbsp; Before you know it, those healthy feet that have taken you everywhere you've ever been will be riddled with aches, pains, and even injury.<br /><br />In the interest of avoiding foot pain and injury (again), I have developed a few criteria for choosing work shoes.<br />1. They must have a flat or low heel.<br />2. The soles must be supportive and comfortable.<br />3. They can't have any spots that rub, even a little.&nbsp; After approximately one million steps, a little becomes a lot.<br /><br />On days when I can wear jeans and sneakers, I now happily wear the New Balance sneakers my doctor recommended and easily meet all of my shoe requirements.&nbsp; For all other days, I need sturdy, reliable, supportive, comfortable dress shoes.&nbsp; So far, I have only identified a few brands -- Merrell, Born and Skechers -- that have proven themselves in the line of duty, but I've been browsing around for others.&nbsp; Here are a few contenders I'm considering for back-to-school.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/teacher_shoes/set?.embedder=572374&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=89667339" target="_blank"><img alt="Teacher Shoes" border="0" height="226" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/feI3OJHKpwIxEpClCOBCYw/cid/89667339/id/7Ch1CEfJQtqrx9i-wEq5VQ/size/c400x226.jpg" title="Teacher Shoes" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small>H&amp;M <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=572374&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=77586349" rel="nofollow">loafer flat</a>, $53 / Skechers <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=572374&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=81753648" rel="nofollow">nautical boat shoes</a> / Nine West <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=572374&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=82582600" rel="nofollow">moccasin style shoes</a> / Sebago <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=572374&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=84293031" rel="nofollow">deck shoes</a>, $105 / Nine West <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=572374&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=84834149" rel="nofollow">moccasin style shoes</a> / Sperry Top-Sider <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=572374&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=86682831" rel="nofollow">leather deck shoes</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=572374&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=77843977" rel="nofollow">Merrell 'Zest Glove' Flat </a></small></div></div><br />Do you have any recommendations when it comes to teacher shoes?&nbsp; What are your criteria for shoes that keep teacher feet happy?<br /><br />Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-71061302095636503012013-07-01T13:18:00.000-05:002013-07-01T13:18:30.023-05:00Math Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBAxh4nqawA/UdHGVt1bGWI/AAAAAAAACR8/ZMk1qSP6TME/s1600/IMG_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBAxh4nqawA/UdHGVt1bGWI/AAAAAAAACR8/ZMk1qSP6TME/s400/IMG_0177.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>By hosting a learning night in the early fall, schools can get a jump start on developing good relationships with families while easing students' tension about challenging subject areas.&nbsp; If you are helping to plan a learning night, check out my article for eHow-<a href="http://www.ehow.com/info_12288788_tips-having-successful-middle-school-math-night.html">Tips on Having a Successful Middle School Math Night</a>.&nbsp; Once you have the event mapped out, find bunches of <a href="http://faculty.tamucc.edu/eyoung/FMN/FMNactivities.html">activity ideas and materials</a> provided by Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi.<br /><br />Find even more entertaining math ideas in <a href="http://www.librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/search/label/math">Librarianism Chronicles-Math</a>.Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-35381031550242943112013-06-20T17:00:00.000-05:002013-06-20T17:03:57.846-05:00Happy Pollinator Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HA1YTwpge8w/UcN7vQEOPvI/AAAAAAAACRk/XRBZNK6OO4w/s1600/pwlogo2013FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HA1YTwpge8w/UcN7vQEOPvI/AAAAAAAACRk/XRBZNK6OO4w/s320/pwlogo2013FINAL.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>This week is National Pollinator Week. Birds, bats, flies, wasps, ants, butterflies, bees and other pollinators facilitate the growth of 1/3 of the food and drinks consumed by people.&nbsp; Unfortunately, many human behaviors threaten the health and safety of these important insects and animals, and many pollinator populations have experienced dramatic declines.&nbsp; Learn about pollinators and their essential role in food production through these activities.<br /><br />Use The Pollinator Partnership's <a href="http://pollinator.org/PDFs/NPW/2012/5ThingsKidsCanDotoHelpPollinators.pdf">5 Things Kids Can Do Help Pollinators</a> guide to start a discussion with children about how to help protect bees and other pollinators. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOI6gl61y0Y/UcN7J74ZC6I/AAAAAAAACRc/vzRDCJDDIkY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-06-20+at+4.58.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOI6gl61y0Y/UcN7J74ZC6I/AAAAAAAACRc/vzRDCJDDIkY/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-06-20+at+4.58.29+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;Then read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1846862604/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1846862604&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">The Beeman</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1846862604" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Laurie Krebbs who teaches lots of facts about bees through this story of a about a beekeeping grandpa.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-z9mWuFt44/UcNLVbMjK6I/AAAAAAAACQ8/3EeKjipjm4g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-06-20+at+1.20.09+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-z9mWuFt44/UcNLVbMjK6I/AAAAAAAACQ8/3EeKjipjm4g/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-06-20+at+1.20.09+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad and his beehive.</td></tr></tbody></table>Now that you've learned so much about pollinators, take a break for a local honey snack.&nbsp; Visit the National Honey Board's website to use their <a href="http://www.honeylocator.com/locator/find/">Honey Locator</a>.&nbsp; This tool will help you find local beekeepers and honey suppliers in your area.&nbsp; Many of these suppliers will allow you to tour their property and witness how happy bees produce honey, so checkout their websites or call before your visit.<br /><br />After your snack, watch Sesame Street's&nbsp; <a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/play#media/video_a6291c5d-1572-11dd-bb51-597ab51d2e81">Honeybee Hullabaloo</a> segment to learn more about honeybees while you buzz around and shake your thorax in a honeybee dance.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RbslrOrViCM/UcNYAhgCUkI/AAAAAAAACRM/Y5j2v5p7xCA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-06-20+at+2.26.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RbslrOrViCM/UcNYAhgCUkI/AAAAAAAACRM/Y5j2v5p7xCA/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-06-20+at+2.26.00+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Find out if there are any Pollinator Week activities taking place in your area by visiting the Pollinator Partners <a href="http://pollinator.org/npw_events.htm">NPW Events</a> page.<br /><br />Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-36767767309534155922013-06-02T17:10:00.002-05:002013-11-04T18:45:07.523-06:00Summer Reading Rewards: Books, Baseball Tickets, and More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4InHZ2_p59I/Ug44_J8JSOI/AAAAAAAACVM/klsfWZWEFe0/s1600/IMG_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4InHZ2_p59I/Ug44_J8JSOI/AAAAAAAACVM/klsfWZWEFe0/s320/IMG_0254.JPG" width="273" /></a></div><br />Reading is an essential part of children's summertime routines.&nbsp; An effect called <a href="http://www.rif.org/us/literacy-resources/articles/keeping-kids-off-the-summer-slide.htm">"summer slide" threatens to deteriorate months of students' reading ability progress</a> if they don't include reading in their summer schedules.&nbsp; The importance of summer reading has led many organizations and companies to create fun summer reading programs to help motivate kids to keep reading when the school year ends.&nbsp; Get your students involved in a summer reading program or routine to help them maintain and build their reading skills between school years.&nbsp; Even if your kids are already intrinsically motivated to read, they can earn treats throughout the summer for the reading they would already be doing.<br /><br /><b>BOOKS:</b><br /><b>Barnes &amp; Noble</b>'s <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/summer-reading/379003570/">Imagination Destination</a> program offers kids a free book when they turn in a summer reading journal with entries for eight books they've read.&nbsp; The journal printable and a summer reading kit and both available to download.<br /><br /><b>Half Price Books</b>'s <a href="http://hpb.com/fyb/">Feed Your Brain</a> program asks kids to read for 300 minutes during June and July in order to earn Bookworm Bucks ($5 store credit).&nbsp; They can also compete for the monthly top reader prize - a $25 gift card.&nbsp; Get a reading log, achievement certificate, program kit, and other resources at the <a href="http://hpb.com/fyb/printables/">Feed Your Brain Printables</a> page.<br /><br /><b>Public Libraries</b> in your neighborhood are likely to be hosting a summer reading program that may include reading incentives, reading lists, and free entertainment during the summer. <br /><br /><b>BASEBALL:</b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TxRp6nv_okA/Uau00_ieVyI/AAAAAAAACQQ/ACd_Az_BMTQ/s1600/IMG_0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TxRp6nv_okA/Uau00_ieVyI/AAAAAAAACQQ/ACd_Az_BMTQ/s400/IMG_0384.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houston Astros v. Oakland Athletics - Minute Maid Park, 2013</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Major League Baseball</b> teams across the country offer summer reading incentives for their fans, either through the local public library or the teams' own programs.<br />Arizona Diamondbacks - <a href="http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/ari/community/reading_club_form.jsp">500 Club Reading Program</a><br /><span style="color: #999999;">Atlanta Braves</span><br />Baltimore Orioles - <a href="http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/bal/community/community.jsp#summer">T. Rowe Price Summer Reading Program</a><br />Boston Red Sox - <a href="http://www.bpl.org/summer/read-your-way-to-fenway/">Read Your Way to Fenway</a><br /><span style="color: #999999;">Chicago Cubs</span><br /><span style="color: #999999;">Chicago White Sox</span><br />Cincinnati Reds - Cincinnati Public Library <a href="http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/summerread/kids">Power Up Program</a><br />Cleveland Indians - <a href="http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/fan_forum/highachievers.jsp">High Achievers Club</a><br /><span style="color: #999999;">Colorado Rockies</span><br />Detroit Tigers - Genesee District Library <a href="http://www.thegdl.org/index.php/events/event/418-detroit-tigers-promo">Detroit Tigers Promo</a><br />Houston Astros - <a href="http://houston.astros.mlb.com/hou/community/youth_programs.jsp">Summer Reading Program</a><br /><span style="color: #999999;">Kansas City Royals</span><br />Los Angeles Angels - <a href="http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/ana/fan_forum/rally_readers.jsp">Rally Readers</a><br /><span style="color: #999999;">Los Angeles Dodgers</span><br /><span style="color: #999999;">Miami Marlins</span><br />Milwaukee Brewers - <a href="http://www.mpl.org/summerreading/superreader_index.htm">Super Readers</a><br />Minnesota Twins - <a href="http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/min/community/summer_reading.jsp">Summer Reading Program</a><br />New York Mets - <a href="http://summerreading.org/sponsors.php">NYC Summer Reading</a><br />New York Yankees - <a href="http://summerreading.org/sponsors.php">NYC Summer Reading</a><br />Philadelphia Phillies - Free Library of Philadelphia <a href="http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/community/free_library.jsp">Summer Reading Program</a><br />Pittsburgh Pirates - <a href="http://www.carnegielibrary.org/events/programs/piratestales.html">Pirate Tales</a><br />Oakland Athletics - Oakland Public Library <a href="http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/news/2013/05/children-s-summer-reading-program-kicks-june-15-oakland-public-library">Summer Reading Program</a><br />San Diego Padres - San Diego Public Library <a href="http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/kidsandteens/summerreading/index.shtml">Summer Reading Program</a><br /><span style="color: #999999;">San Francisco Giants </span><br /><span style="color: #999999;">Seattle Mariners</span><br />St. Louis Cardinals - St. Louis County Library <a href="http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/kidsandteens/summerreading/index.shtml">Summer Reading Clubs for the Whole Family</a><br />Tampa Bay Rays - <a href="http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/tb/community/reading.jsp">Reading with the Rays</a><br />Texas Rangers - <a href="http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/tex/community/kinslers_kids.jsp">Kinsler's Kids Reading Club</a> &amp; Arlington Public Library <a href="http://www.arlingtonlibrary.org/src">Summer Reading Club</a><br /><span style="color: #999999;">Toronto Blue Jays</span><br />Washington Nationals - DC Public Library <a href="https://host4.evanced.info/dclibrary/sr/homepage.asp">Teen Summer Reading</a><br /><br /><b>OTHER ENTERTAINMENT:</b><br /><b>Chuck E. Cheese</b> will give kids 10 arcade tokens when they turn in a two-week <a href="http://www.chuckecheese.com/_content_assets/files/Calendar%20PDFs/READING_RC_2012.pdf">reading log</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eonmyrMqEQU/Uau2koQ_A0I/AAAAAAAACQc/krf4MOl0mGA/s1600/IMG_0544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eonmyrMqEQU/Uau2koQ_A0I/AAAAAAAACQc/krf4MOl0mGA/s400/IMG_0544.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ringing Bros. Circus - Houston, 2010</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Ringling Bros. Circus</b> has partnered with public libraries around the country to offer free circus tickets to kids who read during the summer.&nbsp; Visit the <a href="http://www.readingwithringling.com/">Reading with Ringling</a> page to find out if your neighborhood library has an existing circus incentive program or <a href="http://www.readingwithringling.com/ForLibrarians.aspx">contact Reading with Ringling</a> to begin your own program.&nbsp; Get your kids excited about reading their way to the circus by visiting the exciting <a href="http://www.ringling.com/">Explore the Show</a> feature of the Ringling Bros. website. Find out about the history of Ringling Bros.&nbsp; with their <a href="http://www.ringling.com/SectionLandingPage.aspx?id=45825">interactive timeline</a>.<br /><br />At <b>Showcase Cinemas</b> kids can turn in a book report on <a href="http://www.showcasecinemas.com/programs/kids-and-families/bookwormwed">Bookworm Wednesdays</a> in exchange for a free ticket to a kids' movie. Visit their site to see if there is a Showcase Cinema <a href="http://www.showcasecinemas.com/theatres">in your area</a>.<br /><br /><b>Pottery Barn</b>'s <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/design-studio/articles/summer-reading-challenge.html">Summer Reading Challenge</a> includes lots of resources to keep kids reading all summer.&nbsp; Visit their webpage to get summer reading lists, bookmarks, a progress tracker, a certificate, and more.&nbsp; Also, contact your <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/customer-service/store-locator.html">local store</a> to get details about their weekly book club where kids can meet and talk with other children who are reading the same books.&nbsp; Kids will earn a prize after reading all the books on the reading list and another prize after they record 5 book club story time visits in their Book Club Passport.<br /><br />Will you be participating in any summer reading programs?&nbsp; Do you know of any I missed? Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-88039152107226037222013-05-21T13:04:00.002-05:002013-05-21T13:04:57.574-05:00National Wildflower WeekDid you know that this is <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/news/documents/NationalWildflowersWeekProclamation2013.pdf">National Wildflower Week</a>? (Or it may have been two weeks ago if you're on Lady Bird Johnson Wildlflower Center time, but there's no time like the present!)&nbsp; Get in on the fun with these wildflower activities.<br /><br />First, get some background knowledge by visiting the U. S. Forest Service's <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/index.shtml">Celebrating Wildflowers</a> page where you can learn about wildflowers from <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/regions/index.shtml">around the country</a> and find lots of wildflower <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/kids/activities/index.shtml">activities</a>.&nbsp; Also check out their <a href="http://www.wildflower.org/20_ways_to_observe_national_wildflower_week/">20 Ways to Observe National Wildflower Week</a> list and locate a <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/links.shtml">botanical garden or arboretum near you</a>.<br /><br />Read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060011076/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0060011076&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0060011076" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to learn about former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson's love for wildflowers and the work she did to share her passion with the people of the United States.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9tvTBWUs90/UZutl65gb_I/AAAAAAAACO8/-EMOpfs_yd4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-21+at+12.23.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9tvTBWUs90/UZutl65gb_I/AAAAAAAACO8/-EMOpfs_yd4/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-05-21+at+12.23.01+PM.png" width="261" /></a></div>&nbsp;After reading about this famous Texan, practice motor skills with a Texas wildflower craft.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2uTn12m9fjQ/USVAvjKJHVI/AAAAAAAACGo/xTUC3bgJCNE/s1600/IMG_2375+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2uTn12m9fjQ/USVAvjKJHVI/AAAAAAAACGo/xTUC3bgJCNE/s400/IMG_2375+-+Version+2.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>Learn to make <a href="http://www.librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/02/rodeo-reading-writing-and-crafts.html">paper bluebonnets</a>, Texas' state wildflower, in just a few steps in this <a href="http://www.librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/02/rodeo-reading-writing-and-crafts.html">previous article</a>.<br /><br />Explore and compare the 50 <a href="http://treesandshrubs.about.com/od/selection/ig/State-Flowers/index.02.htm">state flowers</a> of the U. S.&nbsp; Notice that some state flowers are wildflowers chosen because they are indigenous to the state.&nbsp; After perusing the gallery, students can write a persuasive letter or essay about why their state flower is the best or why their state flower should be changed to a plant that better represents the state.<br /><br />Visit the U. S. Forest Service <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethnobotany/dyes.shtml">Dyes</a> page to learn about <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethnobotany/dyes.shtml">natural dyes made from native plants</a>.&nbsp; The page includes a list of plants that were commonly used for dye by Native Americans and a guide to plants by their dye color. Try making your own <a href="http://www.wildflower.org/step/print.php?id=3">wildflower dye</a> using this tutorial from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.&nbsp; Sheepy Hollow Farm Life has a long <a href="http://sheepyhollow.wordpress.com/2010/01/23/a-natural-dye-garden-plant-to-dye-pot-part-i/">list</a> of plants and flowers that can be used to make the dyes.&nbsp; Then, soak natural fiber (cotton, wool, silk) strings or fabrics in the handmade wildflower dyes.&nbsp; After soaking, leave the dyed fibers to dry while you go read the first chapter of Lois Lowry's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547904142/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0547904142&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Gathering Blue</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0547904142" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, from <i>The Giver</i> series.&nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Eh24tPPsGc/UZu27JmkDcI/AAAAAAAACPM/I1_vdbXfGpk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-21+at+1.02.57+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Eh24tPPsGc/UZu27JmkDcI/AAAAAAAACPM/I1_vdbXfGpk/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-05-21+at+1.02.57+PM.png" width="214" /></a></div>This book's main character, Kira, is a skilled young embroiderer who learns the art of natural dye making in order to complete an important assignment from the leaders of her underdeveloped village.Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-53348236146982118822013-04-16T17:10:00.000-05:002013-04-16T17:19:11.516-05:00National Bookmobile Day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GsHZZ6JDAhA/UW3Lh8neYGI/AAAAAAAACOA/49cXUZ-FT44/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-16+at+5.06.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GsHZZ6JDAhA/UW3Lh8neYGI/AAAAAAAACOA/49cXUZ-FT44/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-16+at+5.06.34+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1911 Book Van - <a href="http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/id?434208">NYPL</a></td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;Did you know that tomorrow is National Bookmobile Day?&nbsp; Well it is.&nbsp; If you live in a city, like mine, where there hasn't been a public library bookmobile in decades, you may be thinking, "who still uses a bookmobile?"&nbsp; Turns out, a lot of folks depend on mobile libraries.&nbsp; People who live in rural areas, people who don't have transportation, children, old people, sick people, busy people, and even lazy people can enjoy all kinds of library services through mobile libraries.&nbsp; Now you should be asking, "why doesn't my city have a bookmobile?"<br /><br />Celebrate your favorite bookmobile or cheer for one to drive your way during tomorrow's celebration.&nbsp; At the American Library Association's National Bookmobile Day webpage, you can find printable, <a href="http://www.ala.org/offices/sites/ala.org.offices/files/content/NBD_2013_Build_your_own_BKM-Final.pdf">foldable bookmobiles</a> that students can construct.&nbsp; Or try a different <a href="http://bobstaake.com/bookmobile.shtml">foldable bookmobile</a> courtesy of illustrator Bob Staake.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Vbf0yI0ubI/UW3CbNRcrrI/AAAAAAAACNw/4iQdBJPkZik/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-16+at+4.27.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Vbf0yI0ubI/UW3CbNRcrrI/AAAAAAAACNw/4iQdBJPkZik/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-16+at+4.27.45+PM.png" /></a></div>Let students use these printables or design their own shoebox bookmobiles and have a mini parade to raise awareness about the history and importance of mobile libraries.<br /><br />To give students ideas for their miniature bookmobiles, introduce them to some of the world's most interesting bookmobiles and the fearless, beloved librarians who care for them.&nbsp; Start by reading Jeanette Winter's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416997784/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1416997784&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1416997784" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to find out about Luis Soriano and his donkey library that shared books in rural Colombia.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMrmP12tD84/UW3Dsf-Y0lI/AAAAAAAACN4/JT_MguTGhDE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-16+at+4.33.09+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMrmP12tD84/UW3Dsf-Y0lI/AAAAAAAACN4/JT_MguTGhDE/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-16+at+4.33.09+PM.png" width="318" /></a></div><br />Discover Alaska's <a href="http://www.litsite.org/index.cfm?section=Libraries-and-Booksellers&amp;page=Library-Programs&amp;viewpost=2&amp;ContentId=599">Kusco Book Express</a>, a floating library that brings books to families along the Kuscokwim River.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTJ5d9Iq5_E/UW26-bS3jRI/AAAAAAAACNg/JPvQ2PZirb0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-16+at+3.55.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTJ5d9Iq5_E/UW26-bS3jRI/AAAAAAAACNg/JPvQ2PZirb0/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-16+at+3.55.55+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.litsite.org/index.cfm?section=Libraries-and-Booksellers&amp;page=Library-Programs&amp;viewpost=2&amp;ContentId=599">LitSite Alaska</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Learn about <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/109888070824353634723">Proyecto Bibliomula</a>, which employs a team of mules to transport books to people in rural Venezuela.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAy6ZvtsGnQ/UW2z_aPzhaI/AAAAAAAACNY/mMv3aGeAqRk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-16+at+3.25.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAy6ZvtsGnQ/UW2z_aPzhaI/AAAAAAAACNY/mMv3aGeAqRk/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-16+at+3.25.45+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/109888070824353634723">Proyecto Bibliomula</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Read about Kenya's <a href="http://www.knls.ac.ke/index.php/public-library/camel-library">Camel Library Service</a> that shares books with the nomadic people in the country's northeastern region.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r1P0zrn4GUY/UW2_kIyTPeI/AAAAAAAACNo/M-OrNRd0ywY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-16+at+4.15.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r1P0zrn4GUY/UW2_kIyTPeI/AAAAAAAACNo/M-OrNRd0ywY/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-16+at+4.15.10+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bookaid.org/our-work/where-we-work/kenya/camel-library-service/">Book Aid International</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Then, browse through many other interesting bookmobiles in ALA's <a href="http://www.ala.org/offices/olos/bookmobiles/paradebkmbls">Celebrating 100 Years of Bookmobiles presentation.</a>Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-50396570291829624242013-04-07T11:50:00.000-05:002013-04-07T11:53:43.855-05:00Earth Day Storytime - Garbage, Garbage, GarbageEarth Day is observed every year on April 22.&nbsp; However, as I tell my students, one day is not nearly sufficient to meaningfully address sustainable living and the needs of our environment.&nbsp; So, in our library, April is Earth Month.&nbsp; To get things started, my students and I read some amazing stories about trash.<br /><br />What would you do if you had to <u>live</u> in a giant pile of garbage? Most of us prefer to have our trash trucked off to the landfill to be forgotten.&nbsp; But, for Cap'n Duffy St. Pierre, the sailor who spent most of 1987 sailing up and down the Atlantic Ocean with a boatload of garbage, that wasn't an option.&nbsp; This is the main conflict in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375852182/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0375852182&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Here Comes the Garbage Barge!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0375852182" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, by amazing author Jonah Winter.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The story describes the true events of a tugboat, called the <i>Break of Dawn</i>, full of more than 3000 pounds of trash that set out from Long Island on a mission to unload the garbage in North Carolina.&nbsp; Unfortunately for Cap'n Duffy, North Carolina didn't want the trash, and neither did any of the other places he tried to stop along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the U.S., Mexico, and Belize.&nbsp; This book makes a great read-aloud, partly because it's jammed full of characters with hilariously imitable local accents.&nbsp; Plus, this story is a perfect way to begin a discussion about how garbage is managed by communities and what individuals can do to reduce their contributions to landfills.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B_nVNTDH6v8/UWGNaaqaaWI/AAAAAAAACMo/v3xgL-PJRQs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-07+at+10.14.11+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B_nVNTDH6v8/UWGNaaqaaWI/AAAAAAAACMo/v3xgL-PJRQs/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-07+at+10.14.11+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>In addition to the interesting subject, and amazing storytelling, this book has fantastic illustrations by Chris Sickels from Red Nose Studio.&nbsp; Each page is composed of clay characters, each handmade by Sickels, surrounded by real plastic toys and junk.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/RKag0LPVISA/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/RKag0LPVISA&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/RKag0LPVISA&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>Students can see how the illustrations were made at this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKag0LPVISA">video</a> narrated by Sickels.&nbsp; <br /><br />Next we read Antoinette Portis' <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061123226/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0061123226&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Not a Box</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0061123226" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVLp7qkVPiI/UWGOuyHHoRI/AAAAAAAACMw/Ugrwc9sscrY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-07+at+10.20.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVLp7qkVPiI/UWGOuyHHoRI/AAAAAAAACMw/Ugrwc9sscrY/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-07+at+10.20.01+AM.png" width="318" /></a></div>&nbsp;This quick read illustrates how easily simple items, like a cardboard box, can be reused as something much more grand.&nbsp; <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/04/earth-day-revamp-repurpose-reuse.html">Read more</a> about this great book and fun activities to go along with it.<br /><br />Finally, since it's Poetry Month, I also shared Shel Silverstein's poem, "Sara Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out" from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060572345/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0060572345&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Where the Sidewalk Ends</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0060572345" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1IbT_lYxFnU/UWGiI69B43I/AAAAAAAACNA/fM2_eBhMnXc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-07+at+11.42.29+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1IbT_lYxFnU/UWGiI69B43I/AAAAAAAACNA/fM2_eBhMnXc/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-07+at+11.42.29+AM.png" width="247" /></a></div>&nbsp;In this famous poem, Sara's stubbornness leaves her lonely and surrounded by smelly heaps of trash.&nbsp; Students will wince and squirm in delighted disgust as you read the long list of decomposing foods that stink up Sara's space.<br /><br />If you need more resources, like used media or reusable containers, for your Earth Day lessons and celebrations, check out Amazon's Earth Day Sale: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=as_acph_cc_earth_41_422?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1260993011&amp;tag=librarianis-20" target="_blank">Shop Amazon Earth Day - Green Solutions</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=ur2&amp;o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br /><br /><br />Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-22157468445243903172013-04-04T06:55:00.002-05:002013-04-04T06:55:26.886-05:00Put a Poem in Your Pocket + Poetry CentersApril is Poetry Month, so all month long, we will be reading, writing, and exploring poetry.&nbsp; On April 18, we will be celebrating <a href="http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/406">Poem in Your Pocket day</a> as a part of our poetry month activities.&nbsp; This celebration has been taking place nationwide each April since 2008.&nbsp; It's a fun opportunity to enjoy and share poetry with students.&nbsp; Likewise, they get to share their own favorite poems with each other!&nbsp; This literary event can become an exciting classroom tradition, just like Valentine card exchanges and Halloween candy sharing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcqIBTVLgI8/UVyKdjvzGlI/AAAAAAAACMQ/PRQDPxbc5C8/s1600/poetry.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" mta="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcqIBTVLgI8/UVyKdjvzGlI/AAAAAAAACMQ/PRQDPxbc5C8/s400/poetry.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><br />There are lots of ways your students can celebrate the occasion.&nbsp; They can carry poems in their own pockets, display pocketfuls of poems, choose poems from pockets, and so on.&nbsp; Students can write or type their favorite poems onto cards they can carry around and share.&nbsp; You can also print many <a href="http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/409">pocket-sized poems</a> from Poets.org for your celebration. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VhCk840fZPw/UVyH7fPvhyI/AAAAAAAACMI/6BWRBoft42M/s1600/pocket.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" mta="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VhCk840fZPw/UVyH7fPvhyI/AAAAAAAACMI/6BWRBoft42M/s320/pocket.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><br />To help students investigate poetry independently, I setup several poetry centers for students to visit.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCCamOOcH2Y/UVyFNu_GTZI/AAAAAAAACLw/ONF0uPvk8No/s1600/poetrycenters.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mta="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCCamOOcH2Y/UVyFNu_GTZI/AAAAAAAACLw/ONF0uPvk8No/s400/poetrycenters.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Each basket is labelled with a tag like this one that gives instructions for the activity.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cPhE6P1t1M/T5RUbKtZ3mI/AAAAAAAABQs/Cyml8TP04i4/s1600/Picture+2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cPhE6P1t1M/T5RUbKtZ3mI/AAAAAAAABQs/Cyml8TP04i4/s320/Picture+2.png" width="320" /></a></div>All the materials students need for the activity are placed inside the box.&nbsp; I will keep most of these centers out all month, just changing the contents from week to week, so students can explore lots of poets and poems.&nbsp; The Acrostics center is the sole exception.&nbsp; Each week, I will swap in a different form of poetry for students to attempt on their own.<br /><br />You can print a set of free Poetry Month centers <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2YPp8sLRj7nWlpjUVRKYjEwTTQ/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>.<br /><br />If you still can't get enough poetry fun, check out this past article with more <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2009/04/poetry-month.html">Poetry Month ideas and online activities</a>.Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-82027050148144274812013-03-17T15:44:00.001-05:002013-03-17T15:44:32.267-05:00Fun Things to Do this SpringSpring will begin in just a couple of days.&nbsp; I am very excited about its arrival.&nbsp; There are lots of things to look forward to in Spring...flowers, birds, short sleeves, egg-everything.&nbsp; In the interest of keeping track of all the things I want to remember to do, I made this list of fun things to do during Spring.&nbsp; Don't let all the rainy days invite boredom.&nbsp; Spring is a great time to get started on...all kinds of things.&nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NSVJlAbrt84/UUYqjUl32DI/AAAAAAAACLg/dkaR1mhRTok/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-17+at+3.26.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NSVJlAbrt84/UUYqjUl32DI/AAAAAAAACLg/dkaR1mhRTok/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-03-17+at+3.26.01+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>Get your printable Fun Things to Do this Spring list <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2YPp8sLRj7nVHlvSVkxVWdMQWc/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>.Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-84338263785729531532013-03-13T12:03:00.002-05:002013-03-13T12:03:16.809-05:00St. Patrick's Day Stories, Gardens, and Other Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jbQffMAYrAo/UUCpTiOlDCI/AAAAAAAACLQ/e3Q85ByD2KE/s1600/IMG_0245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jbQffMAYrAo/UUCpTiOlDCI/AAAAAAAACLQ/e3Q85ByD2KE/s400/IMG_0245.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Saint Patrick's Day is a fantastic time to explore some Irish traditions and folktales.&nbsp; The shamrock, or three-leafed clover, has long been associated with Ireland.&nbsp; Occasionally, clovers grow with four or more leaves instead of the usual three.&nbsp; These rare four-leafed clovers are thought to bring good luck to those who discover them.&nbsp; Let students experience this tradition first-hand by growing clover in the classroom. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVpZoZyM4kI/UUCR5Q8VXwI/AAAAAAAACKg/kRSoBGnpO0I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-13+at+9.27.39+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVpZoZyM4kI/UUCR5Q8VXwI/AAAAAAAACKg/kRSoBGnpO0I/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-03-13+at+9.27.39+AM.png" width="249" /></a></div>Visit The Schroeder Page to get this free printable <a href="http://schroederpage.blogspot.com/2013/02/lucky-leprechaun-returns-clover-freebie.html">clover observation chart</a>.&nbsp; After the seeds are planted, you can set the clover up in an observation center for students to visit independently or in small groups.&nbsp; They can fill in this comparison sheet, draw diagrams of the plants as they grow, and use magnifying glasses to search for four-leafed clovers.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHQQuSlezpg/UUCVwfsBlCI/AAAAAAAACKo/d37g6XJViJs/s1600/IMG_2682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHQQuSlezpg/UUCVwfsBlCI/AAAAAAAACKo/d37g6XJViJs/s320/IMG_2682.JPG" width="203" /></a></div>At the end of the month, students can chart their individual results, compare to classmates' observations, and chart the class' cumulative data.&nbsp; Clover plays an important role in nitrogen fixation, so this experiment is a great springboard for a discussion about the nitrogen cycle.&nbsp; Visit Backyard Nature to find out exactly <a href="http://www.backyardnature.net/econitro.htm">how clover fits into Earth's nitrogen cycle</a>.<br /><br />Carry the clover theme into reading, with this <a href="http://librarycenters.blogspot.com/2012/02/shamrock-book-review-center.html#.UUCadOiV6d0">shamrock book recommendation</a> form from The Centered School Library.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IH4G5UskFzA/UUCcCbGp0GI/AAAAAAAACKw/HyzMefALRyo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-13+at+10.31.38+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IH4G5UskFzA/UUCcCbGp0GI/AAAAAAAACKw/HyzMefALRyo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-13+at+10.31.38+AM.png" /></a></div>Students will have fun using this sheet to tell their peers about books they'd be lucky to read.&nbsp; Meanwhile, they'll get practice evaluating books and writing persuasively.<br /><br />Students could also use the book review form to recommend their favorite leprechaun stories.&nbsp; Read a few leprechaun picture books, like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0698116038/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0698116038&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0698116038" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Tomie dePaula and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140506756/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0140506756&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Tim O'Toole and the Wee Folk</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0140506756" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Gerald McDermott.&nbsp; With older kids, read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/037585651X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=037585651X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Leprechaun in Late Winter</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=037585651X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> from the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne. Also check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375860096/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0375860096&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Leprechauns and Irish Folklore</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0375860096" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, the nonfiction companion to Osborne's novel.<br /><br />Invite some luck your way by making the clover patch or another area of the garden into a retreat for leprechauns.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZIMAOZtSPE/UUCgngKG6pI/AAAAAAAACLE/GTC646TyYsk/s1600/IMG_0243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZIMAOZtSPE/UUCgngKG6pI/AAAAAAAACLE/GTC646TyYsk/s320/IMG_0243.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>Kids can collect items from the outdoors and the recycling bin to accessorize the leprechaun garden.&nbsp; If they don't find the shapes they need, students can use air-hardening clay to create pieces like the leaf-chair and yellow mushroom above.&nbsp; Then, print out this <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2010/02/leprechaun-paper-toy.html">free leprechaun puppet</a> that kids can use for storytelling and imaginative play in the new mini garden.<br /><br />All this learning and gardening will work up an appetite.&nbsp; For snack time, make <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/IrishSodaBread.html">Irish soda bread</a>, a traditional St. Patrick's day food.&nbsp; Soda bread is simple to make, because the baking soda in the recipe helps the bread rise.&nbsp; This means no repetitions of kneading and rising like in many bread recipes.<br /><br />For more St. Patrick's Day fun, check out these <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2009/05/over-rainbow.html">rainbow-themed learning ideas</a>.Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-69173554231091648652013-02-20T16:05:00.000-06:002013-02-20T16:38:00.526-06:00Rodeo Reading, Writing, and CraftsIt's rodeo season in my area.&nbsp; It's the time of year when even urban Texans break out boots and bolos to celebrate our cowboy roots (or pretend we have any).&nbsp; It's also a great time to explore western fiction and cowboy culture with students.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8YvocGZz9fM/UQ6WzOGWYJI/AAAAAAAACBU/bYI-YhRcyh0/s1600/IMG_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8YvocGZz9fM/UQ6WzOGWYJI/AAAAAAAACBU/bYI-YhRcyh0/s400/IMG_0184.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Get started by reading a few stories aloud.&nbsp; With my little listeners, I began with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060778636/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0060778636&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">The Gingerbread Cowboy</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0060778636" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Janet Squires.&nbsp; This story adds a cowboy twist to a familiar tale.&nbsp; Students love being able to predict what will happen next in a book they've never read.&nbsp; Then we read Jan Brett's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142401250/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0142401250&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Armadillo Rodeo</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0142401250" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> in which a curious little armadillo wanders away from his mother into a rodeo full of exciting new sights and adventures.<br /><br />After the read-aloud, let students brainstorm and recall what cowboys and cowgirls wear and do.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fsXb6uuH_3c/USU2OedbP1I/AAAAAAAACCk/JcctfjhzVm0/s1600/IMG_0207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fsXb6uuH_3c/USU2OedbP1I/AAAAAAAACCk/JcctfjhzVm0/s400/IMG_0207.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Then challenge students to explore their inner-mavericks by writing about what they would do or how they would dress if they were cowboys and cowgirls.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UZ--dy6XgGU/USU2jy1Dk4I/AAAAAAAACCw/fvX_-uAC6JQ/s1600/IMG_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UZ--dy6XgGU/USU2jy1Dk4I/AAAAAAAACCw/fvX_-uAC6JQ/s320/IMG_0204.JPG" width="313" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haFkZ63oSzo/USU2zdiWpaI/AAAAAAAACC4/CugbyrGfGHw/s1600/IMG_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haFkZ63oSzo/USU2zdiWpaI/AAAAAAAACC4/CugbyrGfGHw/s320/IMG_0205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Make a math connection by showing students how cowboy outfits include symmetry.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ8Rk2C3QFg/USVMYgZnGmI/AAAAAAAACJQ/cXSwCUmLvmA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-20+at+4.14.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ8Rk2C3QFg/USVMYgZnGmI/AAAAAAAACJQ/cXSwCUmLvmA/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-02-20+at+4.14.04+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>Get this fantastic cowboy symmetry printable courtesy of author <a href="http://www.loreenleedy.com/books/symmetry.html">Loreen Leedy</a>.&nbsp; The download comes with a blackline activity as well as tips for teaching students about symmetry.<br /><br />Our rodeo season begins just as Texas' state wildflower is beginning to bloom.&nbsp; Students can practice fine motor skills by making paper bluebonnets.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2uTn12m9fjQ/USVAvjKJHVI/AAAAAAAACGo/xTUC3bgJCNE/s1600/IMG_2375+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2uTn12m9fjQ/USVAvjKJHVI/AAAAAAAACGo/xTUC3bgJCNE/s400/IMG_2375+-+Version+2.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>For each flower, students need one wooden skewer, 2 green die cuts of the letter "O", 6-8 blue die cut "O"s, and a couple of Styrofoam packing peanuts.&nbsp; I didn't have to ask many people before I found someone willing to donate packing peanuts they had lying around at home.<br /><ol><li>Poke the skewer through one of the green "O"s on its long side.&nbsp; Then poke through the other long side.&nbsp; Now you have an "O" folded in half without being creased in the middle.</li><li>Add the second green "O".&nbsp; Then add all of the blue "O"s in the same manner.</li><li>Poke the skewer through one packing peanut and into another.</li><li>Spread the blue and green ovals out as necessary to make the flower look fluffy and full. </li></ol>Older students can make these on their own, but remind them to be very careful with the pointed ends of the skewers.&nbsp; With young children, you may want to include a piece of craft foam in your supplies.&nbsp; Lay the foam on the table, so little hands can poke the skewer down through the paper toward the tabletop without scratching the table.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3610ldJosww/USVFbu5v8YI/AAAAAAAACH4/_W3HB5K3CAM/s1600/IMG_2322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3610ldJosww/USVFbu5v8YI/AAAAAAAACH4/_W3HB5K3CAM/s400/IMG_2322.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>&nbsp;When everyone is finished, you can group the flowers together to make a beautiful display.Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-23375693649765657582013-02-02T09:56:00.000-06:002013-02-03T09:47:23.487-06:00Happy Groundhog Day!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6Sg9KELEJE/UQ0nG6k0OQI/AAAAAAAAB9E/6TWZPROb-fE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-02+at+8.47.22+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6Sg9KELEJE/UQ0nG6k0OQI/AAAAAAAAB9E/6TWZPROb-fE/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-02-02+at+8.47.22+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/id?400005">Groundhogs</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Groundhog Day has been celebrated in the United States since the 1800s, when Pennsylvanians modified the centuries-old German tradition of observing the hedgehog's post-hibernation behavior in order to predict upcoming weather.<br /><br />Punxsutawney Phil does not have an excellent record of accuracy after hundreds of years of predicting late-winter weather, but the tradition lives on, even in an era of modern meteorology, because we'll take any sign that warm weather is on its way.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeSnQzD9GTA/UQ0ybpHivpI/AAAAAAAAB-k/GAmauqbeZTU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-02+at+9.35.18+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeSnQzD9GTA/UQ0ybpHivpI/AAAAAAAAB-k/GAmauqbeZTU/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-02-02+at+9.35.18+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/02/us/groundhog-day/index.html">Groundhog Day 2013 - CNN</a></td></tr></tbody></table>This anachronistic holiday provides a perfect opportunity to discuss weather and folklore and to compare the way the tradition has been carried out in various cultures.&nbsp; And of course, it's a great chance for a story time.<br /><br />Visit the website for <a href="http://www.groundhog.org/groundhog-day/history/">The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club</a> in order to discover details about the history of the American tradition.&nbsp; <br /><br />Students can learn about other weather traditions by visiting Weather WizKids to find bunches of traditional <a href="http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-folklore.htm">weather folklore sayings</a>.&nbsp; Kids will also have fun with SciJinks' <a href="http://scijinks.nasa.gov/folklore">interactive weather folklore feature</a>, which displays worldwide weather folklore. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FJayyGnMSac/UQ0posy2f5I/AAAAAAAAB9M/zbuCoQUsPzQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-02+at+8.57.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FJayyGnMSac/UQ0posy2f5I/AAAAAAAAB9M/zbuCoQUsPzQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-02-02+at+8.57.13+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>Also check out the Weather Folklore and Weather Poems puzzles that are available to print and solve at The Science Spot <a href="http://sciencespot.net/Pages/classearth.html#Anchor-Weather-49575">Weather Lessons</a> page.<br /><br />Next, share some fun and interesting Groundhog Day stories.&nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7qEIaATUS0M/UQ6GecUDrUI/AAAAAAAACAE/s5je_8xWBEU/s1600/IMG_0181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7qEIaATUS0M/UQ6GecUDrUI/AAAAAAAACAE/s5je_8xWBEU/s400/IMG_0181.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>&nbsp;I like to begin with Michelle Aki Becker's short, non-fiction book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0516279246/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0516279246&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Groundhog Day</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0516279246" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which succinctly defines the details of the day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9hSj-cXoX4/UQ00AeHQ3HI/AAAAAAAAB-s/iLAHR6sA4uY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-02+at+9.42.31+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9hSj-cXoX4/UQ00AeHQ3HI/AAAAAAAAB-s/iLAHR6sA4uY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-02+at+9.42.31+AM.png" /></a></div>After this factual story, share a few fun fiction stories like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/082342040X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=082342040X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=librarianis-20">Punxsutawney Phyllis</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=librarianis-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=082342040X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Susanna Leonard Hill.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghsi0cfHeQE/UQ01YIfQ-0I/AAAAAAAAB-0/Hp_5QHvETu4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-02+at+9.48.03+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghsi0cfHeQE/UQ01YIfQ-0I/AAAAAAAAB-0/Hp_5QHvETu4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-02+at+9.48.03+AM.png" /></a></div>In this book, Phyllis the groundhog hopes to inherit the role of Punxsutawney Phil from her uncle and become the first girl groundhog to fill the position.&nbsp; Get even more <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/02/groundhog-day.html">Groundhog Day story time and craft ideas</a> from last year.<br /><br />After the read-aloud let students play this <a href="http://speechroomnews.blogspot.com/2013/01/groundhog-day-freebie.html">Groundhog Day matching game</a> from Speech Room News in order to help them memorize the details of the tradition.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Rio_WcPvTA/UQ0wvMsdmOI/AAAAAAAAB-c/nv4uLOfgo1M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-02+at+9.27.33+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Rio_WcPvTA/UQ0wvMsdmOI/AAAAAAAAB-c/nv4uLOfgo1M/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-02-02+at+9.27.33+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728283580938292852.post-14902742287505950202013-01-06T12:19:00.000-06:002013-01-06T12:19:05.592-06:00Fun Things to do in the Winter - FREE Printable ListFrom Halloween to New Year's Day, festivities and traditions make the cold, dark weather feel like the appropriate backdrop.&nbsp; But then, just when the year reaches it's coldest and darkest, we take down all the sparkly lights and quit bundling up for trick-or-treating, caroling, and gift exchanges.&nbsp; We begin healthy diets in place of the comforting meals eaten during the holidays. We start working on new beginnings and self-improvement.&nbsp; In this time of growth, it's easy to see a leafless tree and start counting down the days until flowers will bloom.&nbsp; But, since counting down days doesn't seem like a very positive way to live, I decided to make a list of non-holiday things that are fun to do in the winter.&nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Hbhvi0m1FU/UOm_gsdYKQI/AAAAAAAAB70/3JgF4TsM2UA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-06+at+12.15.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Hbhvi0m1FU/UOm_gsdYKQI/AAAAAAAAB70/3JgF4TsM2UA/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-01-06+at+12.15.50+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>This list doesn't include any activities that require snow or ice, because I can't count on seeing any.&nbsp; You can get your copy of this <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2YPp8sLRj7nNU42clBJTVBsSk0">Fun Things to Do this Winter</a> list <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2YPp8sLRj7nNU42clBJTVBsSk0">HERE</a>.&nbsp; Lots of these activities could easily catalyze critical thinking and conversations about scientific topics like meteorology, astronomy, and biology.<br /><br />If you're looking for more fun things to do, check out my <a href="http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/fun-things-to-do-free-summer-printable.html">summer list</a>.Amber Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05174101730762309929noreply@blogger.com1